The 20 Best Places to Visit in July (Our Favorites for 2024)

20 of the Best Places to Visit in July

The best places to visit in July are those that experience mild, dry summer weather that’s perfectly suited for getting out and enjoying yourself. We found places ideal for a July visit world-wide in a range of landscapes with plenty of entertainment options. 

Whether you’re up for exploring a new city’s restaurants and attractions, taking to rugged hiking trails or balmy beaches, or visiting world-famous parks, you’ll make the most of your July trip when you know the best places to visit this month. 

1. Telluride, USA

Craving some time up in the mountains with a small town feel? Head to Telluride, Colorado, where you’ll find lots of festivals happening in July, cool outdoor activities outside of ski season, and plenty of restaurants and bars to try. 

Take a free gondola ride up the mountain to biking and hiking trails at Station St. Sophia, where you’ll have incredible views of town and the San Juan Mountains. Hike trails to 3 easy-to-access falls another day: Bear Creek Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Cornet Falls are all beautiful. 

Grab dinner and drinks at Smuggler’s Brew Pub, go tubing on the river, and check out some of the festivals going on, like the Ride Festival for rock music and the Plein Air art fest with a “quick draw” competition and 3-day art sale from local artists.

With average temperatures around 61°F and highs reaching into the low 70s, pleasant weather with occasional showers makes Telluride a great place for a July trip. 

Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Telluride in 2024

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Netherlands’ capital city, Amsterdam, really comes to life in July. This month is known for its mild weather that’s just right for touring the city’s interesting museums, biking along the canals, and checking out bustling markets and bars. 

The Museum Quarter could be a huge part of your trip, with the famous Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, and Van Gogh Museum offering incredible artwork while the green Vondelpark is the hotspot for walking and taking in free concerts under the cast iron music dome.

Dine on the terrace at the Vertigo restaurant on the historical pavilion, head to Melkweg Culture Center (one of the city’s most popular venues) for concerts and club nights, bike paths along the canals, or shop and grab street food at the bustling Albert Cuyp Market.

Book a scenic canal cruise (even better at night, when the city is illuminated). With average temperatures around 64°F with highs just glancing 70°F, this is an idyllic time to take on Amsterdam’s many attractions and bike paths. 

Read Next: Trip to Amsterdam Cost & The Best & Worst Times to Visit Amsterdam

3. Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg (Joburg to locals) is known for its man-made forest, shops, markets, galleries, and museums that make it a rich cultural hub in South Africa. Its cool July weather is a break from the summer heat on the other side of the world! 

Visit the Apartheid Museum to learn about the country’s difficult history, or check out Constitution Hill (a former prison) to see a blend of history and artwork. Weekly markets at Victoria Yards, like the Vinyl and Vintage Market on Saturdays, are awesome to browse. 

The Rosebank district in North Johannesburg is a hotspot for Sunday flea markets, popular restaurants and pubs, and small shops that are fun to wander on the weekend. Over on 4th Avenue Parkhurst, you’ll find more places to shop and eat (try the Jolly Roger). 

Check out the Gold Reef City amusement park, casino, and mall in South Johannesburg for entertainment. July’s temperatures hover around a chilly 48°F on average with highs just reaching into the low 60s in the afternoons. Clear days are the norm this time of year. 

4. New York City, USA

NYC in July can be a real treat if you’re coming for sightseeing, exploring Central Park, shopping, and dining. It’s a great time of year to see the city decked out in green with big festivals happening during this peak summer month. 

Since July can be toasty, you’ll relish the time spent indoors touring attractions like the Empire State Building observation decks, a breezy cruise out to the Statue of Liberty, or wandering the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Met, or the Brooklyn Museum. 

The Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display from barges on the East River is world-renowned and features famous musicians performing. Walk Chinatown, Chelsea, East Village, and West Village to discover great restaurants, food stalls, and bars. 

The city’s highs can reach 85°F in July, so it’s far from mild, but the average temperatures sit in the upper 70s this month and frequent, short showers help keep the city a little cooler on overcast days. 

Read Next: What a Trip to NYC Costs in 2024 & Where to Stay in New York City

5. South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand’s scenic, mountainous South Island offers a prime place to escape the heat during July, since the island experiences its winter during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months. Skiing, hiking, and unique accommodations options make July one of our favorite times to visit. 

This is the ideal time of year to indulge in winter sports, from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing tours, up in the Southern Alps. Hit the hot springs at Lewis Pass to warm up another day or book a whale watching tour (great time of year for humpbacks). 

Bundle up to hike rugged trails though Abel Tasman National Park or the southwestern Fiordland National Park, or climb on glaciers at the incredibly scenic and mountainous Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Stay in contemporary glass PurePods for unmatched views of the wild terrain (the final location of your pod won’t be revealed until you book) during your July visit. Temperatures range from 32°F-53°F this month around the island with 7-8 rainy days.

6. Orlando, USA

One thing July heat is good for? Hanging out in Orlando, Florida’s expansive theme parks and water parks! Disney World, Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, and more wait for you with rides, water parks, and spots to cool off indoors in the summer season.

Orlando buzzes with life and activity during the summer months, especially during July. It’s actually not the busiest time to visit — that’s March, October, and December, according to Google Hotels data — so you’ll notice smaller crowds while you enjoy the parks. 

Long daylight hours mean you can get more bang for your buck when you’re exploring the many parks, rides, concessions, restaurants, and shops within the parks you’re most interested in visiting. 

July also means it’s time for thrilling fireworks displays at some of the parks, like Disney’s colorful shows over Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, LEGOLAND’s Red, White, and BOOM! display, and SeaWorld’s fireworks around the lake. 

While highs can reach a sweltering 92°F, lows are in the mid-70s and average temperatures sit closer to 82°F. It’s hot for walking through Disney World, but just right for cooling off in the water parks in between the frequent (but short) rain showers. 

Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Orlando & What a Trip to Orlando Costs

7. Aix-en-Provence, France

Southern France’s Aix-en-Provence is the perfect place to spend a July vacation with mild temperatures, cool breezes, and chances to explore the charming downtown district, historic walking paths, and beautiful countryside surrounding it.

Majestic Sainte-Victoire mountain looms over the city and creates a stunning backdrop for Vieille Ville, the Old Town district, where you can stroll shady, tree-lined streets with cafes, shops, fountains, and historic monuments along the way.

Vintage and thrift shops abound here, like Blow Up with designer duds, and green city parks, like the riverside Promenade de la Torse and the fountain-filled Parc Jourdan, are perfect for strolls and picnics on a mild summer’s day. 

In the mornings, hit up Mana for great coffee and healthy breakfast options. Head to Cocina Negra for cocktails and live music. You’ll find open-air bars behind the Town Hall on Place des Cardeurs and cool concepts like the bookstore bar, Book In Bar. 

The mild summertime weather, averaging 74-86°F here, is perfect for a July vacation and touring museums like the Hotel de Caumont Centre d’Art in an 18th-century mansion, visiting the countryside, and exploring the shaded downtown district.

8. Playa del Carmen, Mexico

A classic summer destination with all the sun-soaked tourist vibes, Playa del Carmen is an unforgettable place to visit in July. You’ll arrive ahead of the bigger fall and winter crowds and enjoy long, sunny days on the pristine white sand beaches. 

Playa del Carmen’s beaches are lined with resorts and family-friendly with gentle surf on the Caribbean Sea. Check out Playa Punta Esmeralda and Playa 88 for the best beachfront experience with clean shorelines and less-crowded conditions. 

Check out Xplor Park to ride through underground rivers and zip-line through the jungle, check out the 3D Museum of Wonders on a rainy day, or take the ferry over to Cozumel or Isla Mujeres for even more beach options and great diving spots, like Palancar Reef and underwater caves.

Go bar-hopping on the bustling La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), a pedestrian street lined with neon lights, bars, restaurants, shops, and clubs blasting live music and DJ tunes until the wee hours of the morning. 

Average temperatures rest around 81°F with highs near 90°F, but the ample swimming and water sports options around the beach make the heat much more bearable in July.

Read Next: Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen in 2024 & The Best & Worst Times to Visit Playa del Carmen

9. Liverpool, United Kingdom

Famed for its Beatles history, historic architecture, host of live music venues, and plethora of museums, Liverpool is ranked as one of the few UNESCO Cities of Music around the world. It’s a captivating city to visit and July is an ideal time to go for warm weather. 

Hang out in classic pubs for beer and fish and chips to hearty stews, like the Grapes near St. Luke’s Bombed Out Church, the Ship & Mitre near the colonnaded St. George’s Hall, or the Caledonia, close to the famous Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the perfect after-party spot.

See the historic Royal Albert Dock, the Neo-Gothic Liverpool Cathedral, and the Museum of Liverpool for an interesting look at the city’s musical, political, and architectural roots. Visit the Beatles Story Museum to learn about the band’s musical history.

Popular venues like Invisible Wind Factory, 24 Kitchen Street, and Meraki are great spots to catch local and international artists performing any night of the week, while festivals like the 3-day In the Park Festival at Sefton Park and Solis Roof Top Summer Festival. 

Enjoy temperatures around 62-67°F in July with minimal rain to make the most of your sightseeing, nights out, and exploring new restaurants and shops in Liverpool.

10. Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa is the largest tropical island in the 150+ island archipelago by the same name off the coast of Japan. It’s home to scenic beaches and diving spots, historic sites, ruins, and museums, and lush botanic gardens.

July is a great time to visit Okinawa with warm weather that’s relatively dry, making conditions ideal for exploring the island during peak beach season. Head to the clean, white sand Emerald Beach in Ocean Expo Park or Zanpa Beach with the Cape Zanpa Lighthouse and coral reefs to dive offshore.

On rainy days, duck into attractions like the Churaumi Aquarium, the WWII history at Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, or the children’s Wonder Museum and Zoo.The 15th-century 

Katsuren Castle Ruins on the Yokatso Peninsula of the island takes a short hike to reach and is amazing to see on a clear day. With average temperatures hovering around 84-89°F and a nice break from the spring rains, Okinawa is delightful in July.

Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Okinawa & Is Okinawa Safe to Visit?

11. Grand Baie, Mauritius

Grand Babe on the African island of Mauritius sits in the Indian Ocean. It provides an alluring escape from scorching summer temperatures with a laid-back, tropical vibe and lots of beaches, diving spots, and historic landmarks and museums to tour on your July visit. 

When you’re not lounging or playing on the pristine beaches around the town, you’ll want to explore the beachside Grand Baie Bazaar for street food, handicrafts, fabrics, jewelry, and souvenirs. Take a catamaran tour out to scenic snorkeling and diving spots! 

Grand Baie’s famous Banana Beach Club & Gourmet Grill sits right on Grand Baie Public Beach and is the hotspot for dancing, live music, drinks, and good food in the town with a huge Flamboyant, or flame tree, growing right in the center of the bar. 

There’s a cool sugar museum, L’Aventure du Sucre, that takes you through the agricultural sugar cane history with a sugar and rum tasting, and lots of great waterfront spots to try local foods, like stuffed samosas with Indian influence and boulettes (meatballs). 

12. Singapore

Singapore is a foodie island in Southeast Asia, known for its modern skyscrapers and massive malls, vast green parks and gardens, historic sites, and an endless array of cuisines offered in its famous snack streets where street food stalls emanate delicious aromas. 

From top attractions like the riverfront Merlion Park with its mythical lion/fish fountain to the ornate 19th-century Thian Hock Keng Temple honoring a sea goddess in Chinatown and lush botanic gardens off Orchard Road and along the riverfront, Singapore is fascinating. 

Visit the Haw Par Villa theme park with thousands of statues and legendary Chinese mythology dioramas, take in a concert or browse the rainforest gardens at Singapore Botanic Gardens, and do some shopping on the bustling Orchard Road. 

Head to the Maxwell Food Centre, Old Airport Road Food Centre, Chomp Chomp Hawker Centre, or Chinatown Food Street to eat your weight in tasty street foods with Asian and international flair. 

Expect warm, sunny weather between 83-88°F in July with scattered rainy days throughout the month during the Southeast Monsoon Season — still less rainfall than in the fall and winter months.

Read Next: The Average Trip to Singapore Cost & The Best Overall Time to Visit Singapore

13. Galveston, USA

One of Texas’ barrier islands, Galveston, makes an awesome place to visit in July with its wide stretches of sandy beaches, oceanfront amusement park and boardwalk, and stunning array of restaurants from seafood shacks to fine steakhouses. 

It’s a family-friendly destination that’s buzzing with energy during the peak summer month of July. While the weather is on the hot side this time of year, you’ll be splashing in the gentle surf of the Gulf of Mexico or visiting parks like Schlitterbahn Waterpark to keep cool.

There are 30 miles of beaches to explore, but the main Galveston Beach features the Pleasure Pier with shops, a Ferris wheel, thrill rides, and concessions stands. For a different experience, Galveston Island State Park beaches are more secluded and laid-back. 

Wander the historic Strand’s 19th-century architecture, lined with palm trees, restaurants, attractions like the Railroad Museum and Pier 21 Theater, and cool shops like La King’s Confectionary. 

Temperatures hang around 84-89°F with a brief drop in rainfall this month, making it one of the best summer months to visit the island with great weather. 

Read Next: The Best & Worst Times to Visit Galveston Texas

14. Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo is Uruguay’s bustling capital city on a bay overlooking the South Atlantic. It’s home to historic Spanish, Art Deco, and colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and pretty beaches lined with promenades offering scenic ocean views. 

July is the heart of winter for Montevideo, but it’s not a cold season — just cooler than the mild summertime here. The city feels European with its unexpectedly diverse architectural styles and the old town, Ciudad Vieja, is particularly interesting to explore.

Museums, the Metropolitan Cathedral in Neoclassical style, Mercado del Puerto indoor market, and the Italian-designed Solis Theatre all sit around the Plaza Matriz along with trendy eateries and bars that really come to life on July nights with live music and crowds. 

The Plaza de la Independencia is the heart of the city and links the old town to the modern downtown, housing a General José Gervasio Artigas monument and mausoleum.

Playa Pocitos, Playa Ramirez, and Playa de los Ingleses are some of the best beaches to walk during the chilly July month in Montevideo. The weather in July is mild, averaging around 51-58°F with the driest conditions of the year in this part of Uruguay.

15. Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, is ripe for a July visit with balmy weather in the mid-60s and 70s, endless restaurants and bars to check out, and palaces, cathedrals, and museums to explore across its 14 connected islands. 

The Royal Palace in the cobblestone streets of the old town, Gamla Stan, is a great place to start your visit by touring the state rooms of the Swedish monarchy royal residence with a guide.

It’s close to the Nobel Prize Museum, 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, and Riksdagshuset (Parliament House) if you’re up for a historic tour.

Check out Skansen, a zoo and open-air museum, for a fun attraction for families to enjoy in July. You can take ferries and shuttle boats between the islands for easy exploration! 

Restaurants along the Centralbron bridge range from cozy interiors with traditional Swedish food to upscale French, Italian, and Asian fare with lots of bars and clubs around Stureplan and Södermalm. 

Expect temperatures between 64-71°F in July for Stockholm with around 8 rainy days this month — plenty of great weather and a range of indoor activities to do on those rare rainy days. 

Read Next: What a Trip to Sweden Costs in 2024 & The Best Places to Visit in Sweden

16. Skye, Scotland

Chilly through most of the year, the island of Skye, Scotland is warm in July with 56-60°F weather. It boasts cool Viking history and fairy folklore, diverse outdoor recreation options, and gorgeous hilly landscapes blanketed in lush green this time of year. 

A bridge connects the island to northwestern Scotland if you’re up for exploring a larger area, but the local sights are arresting. The bright blue Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle are freezing year-round, while the sloping terrain of the Fairy Glen above the Uig Village is dotted with cone-shaped mounds and an old basalt castle. 

Skye’s biggest town, Portree, is where most tourists go for sightseeing, entertainment, and lots of places to eat and grab a drink with traditional pubs around every corner and plenty of shops to browse. 

Visit Scotland’s oldest continuously-inhabited castle, Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, which is open for tours in July. Tour lighthouses, distilleries, museums, and sample fresh fish and chips that Edinburgh could never match while you’re here. 

17. Chicago, USA

While some appreciate visiting Chicago in the snowy winter, we think July is the perfect time to explore the city without frigid temperatures. Chicago’s tree-lined downtown streets, activity on the river, and festive summer events make it incredible in July.

Stroll the iconic Riverwalk, go kayaking or take a boat tour on the river, stroll shops and restaurants downtown, and stop by pop-up shops and festivals, like Windy City Smokeout for country music, the Millennium Park Summer Film Series, and the Pitchfork Music Festival. 

Visit the city’s range of museums, like the Art Institute of Chicago in Grant Park, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park, to learn while you explore Chicago.

Don’t miss the famous “bean,” or Cloud Gate monument, in Millennium Park! Make your way up to the Skydeck at Willis Tower for a bird’s eye view over Chicago, and spend some time wandering the shops and trendy eateries downtown. 

You’ll do it all in warm, summer temperatures from 76-82°F with some rain showers and overcast skies, but plenty of places to duck out of the rain when it falls.

Read Next: What a Trip to Chicago Costs & The Best & Worst Times to Visit Chicago in 2024

18. Toronto, Canada

Toronto, Canada is an unexpectedly awesome place to spend a July vacation, owing to its mild summer temperatures, ample entertainment and sightseeing opportunities, and nice beaches and parks around the city. 

The architecture here is fantastic, from contemporary skyscrapers to stately 19th-century Georgian buildings downtown. Restaurants, clubs and bars, and shops scattered through its unique districts, like the Distillery Historic District and Chinatown, are abundant. 

The famed CN Tower has high-up observation decks, a clear SkyPod, and an adventurous hands-free EdgeWalk with harnesses for thrill-seekers who want great views of the city. Head to the Royal Ontario Museum to tour exhibits featuring over 6 million items. 

Browse the St. Lawrence Market for hand-crafted goods and food, or head over to Bloor Street or Eaton Centre Mall if you’re looking for high-end shops and boutiques. Stroll the Harbourfront’s green parks (like High Park) and music venues on a fine July day. 

Woodbine Beach (the largest with a nice boardwalk) and Hanlan’s Point Beach (clothing optional) are local favorite beaches, but don’t get them confused! With highs around 77°F, the weather is nice for it.

Read Next: The Best Areas to Stay in Toronto in 2024 & When to Visit Toronto

19. Porto, Portugal

The wide Douro River splits 2,000 year-old, hilly Porto, Portugal in two and historic bridges connect both sides of this colorful, cultural hub on Portugal’s Costa Verde.

Golden sandy beaches, rich flavors and heritage, and cool architecture are foundations of the city. It’s great to come in July, when the beaches like Cabedelo do Douro are beckoning with highs in the mid-70s and tourist crowds give the city an upbeat vibe. 

The historic Cais da Ribeira waterfront is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets, bustling restaurants and bars, and stunning architecture. Across the Dom Luis I Bridge is the port wine epicenter, Vila Nova de Gaia, where tastings are a treat.

Marvel at the azulejos (blue and white tiles) adorning buildings on the hillsides, make your way up steep streets to check out boutiques and authentic restaurants, or hop on a tram to easily maneuver through the city. 

The Rua das Flores street is lined with trendy shops and old buildings, while Mercado do Bolhao offers a chance to browse and haggle at a classic Portuguese market. The Porto Wine Fest takes place each July with chances to sip the region’s namesake boozy port wine. 

Read Next: How Safe Is Porto to Visit in 2024 & The Best & Worst Times to Visit Porto

20. Seattle, USA

If the Pacific Northwest doesn’t come to mind for an ideal July trip, think again! Seattle’s cooler weather this month makes it nice for a milder outdoor experience, and the city’s range of shops, eateries, and outdoor recreation options make it appealing to all types of travelers. 

Rainy Seattle sees a nice reprieve in July when temperatures range from 66-77°F with the lowest-recorded rainfall totals of the year. Take in the panoramic views over the city and Puget Sound from the Space Needle with thrilling glass floors and all-glass upper observation decks. 

It’s a prime time for kayaking and boat tours on the Puget Sound, hiking in Discovery Park or Washington Park, or visiting pretty Alki Beach with dreamy views over the Sound. And downtown, you’ll find tons of stuff to get into during the busy summer. 

Stroll Pike Place Market for goods, coffee, and food, hit up trendy eateries and bars, enjoy the Waterfront’s rides and Ferris wheel, and check out the Seattle Art Museum downtown. Fireworks over the Puget Sound on the 4th of July are simply stunning if you’ll be here in time! 

Read Next: What a Trip to Seattle Costs in 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about planning the perfect July visit? Check out the most frequently asked questions below to learn more. 

So, Where Should You Visit in July?

Traveling to the best places to visit in July means you’ll arrive to your destination with great weather and your choice of tons of attractions and things to do.

Whether you’re up for the scenic wonderland of the Telluride hiking and biking trails or want colorful sights and port wine sips in Porto, July can be an incredible time to see some of the world’s most interesting destinations. 

Take stock of your travel goals, budget, and the range of activities and historic sites you can find at the locations on our list to find the perfect spot for a July vacation that everyone in your crew can enjoy.